While skincare has traditionally been seen as a concern for women, recent shifts in societal perceptions are highlighting the importance of self-care for everyone, including men. Kapuso Drama King and award-winning actor Dennis Trillo is leading this change by openly advocating for men’s grooming routines. As the first male endorser of Belle Dolls’ newest product, Zero Filter Sunscreen, he encourages men to view skincare as an essential part of daily life rather than a trivial or exclusively feminine activity.
During the product launch event on May 8, Dennis shared his feelings about being chosen for this role. “First of all, I am very grateful because I was selected for this. Of course, to endorse a product, trust is necessary. I’m thankful that I am one of the endorsers, and I’m the first man to endorse sunscreen,” he explained to the entertainment media.
He emphasized that his participation is an opportunity to inspire other men. “We simply want to set an example to men that skincare isn’t just for women. Our skin is the same as theirs. If women want to look good, men should also follow a routine to take care of their skin,” Dennis said.
Rhea Anicoche-Tan, Founder and CEO of Belle Dolls and Beautéderm, expressed her confidence that Dennis was the ideal representative for their new product. She pointed out that societal norms often associate endorsers with female celebrities, typically with attributes like sexiness or fairness. “When you think of a face wash, it’s usually linked to women. But men also need to use these products. I conducted a survey, and most men use one soap for their face and body. That’s why I wanted a man like Dennis, who is active in many series and movies, to promote the idea,” she stated.
Dennis also highlighted the importance of sunscreen in anti-aging routines. “People often forget that the best anti-aging secret is sunscreen. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle with your partner or just outdoors, sun exposure is inevitable. It’s okay to get some sun—vitamins are good—but we often ignore how it ages our skin and causes lines. That’s why we want to share that both women and men should include sunscreen in their skincare habits,” she explained.
At the launch event, I observed Dennis looking fresh and glowing, even under the uneven stage lights. When the lights unexpectedly flickered, his skin still appeared dewy and vibrant. Curious about his routine, I asked him how he maintains his skin condition. His straightforward response was, “I dip my face in water with ice in the morning and evening. At night, especially after a taping session, I double-cleanse to prevent clogged pores. I make sure my face is clean before I sleep.”
Dennis admitted that he has become more aware of his skin’s health over time and did not hesitate to take on the endorsement. “What matters most is how effective the product is for the people using it,” he said. He credited his wife, Jenlyn Mercado, for helping him adopt a skincare routine. “Jen shares her routines with me—if I see it works for her, I try it, and if it works for me, I continue doing it,” he revealed.
His wife’s influence underscores the importance of consistency and routine in skincare. Rhea Tan shares a similar perspective, emphasizing that breaking stereotypes is part of her advocacy. “Many men still use the same soap on their face, body, and everywhere else. I want to encourage more men to use proper skincare,” she said. “Dennis is often seen in numerous series and movies, and we sometimes forget that sunscreen is the most effective anti-aging product out there.”
